Countryside drafts in City adviser amid takeover rumours

摘要

Housebuilder Countryside has drafted in City adviser Rothschild to advise it on strategic options as it widens its options beyond a planned flotation on the London stock exchange, Building understands. A market source confirmed Rothschild's appointment, amid reports that Countryside has received two unsolicited takeover approaches. Countryside's private equity owner Oaktree Capital has been known to be exploring exit options after buying the firm in 2013. In December last year Building revealed Countryside was not likely to float in 2015 due to concerns about the general election, confounding analysts' expectations of a float this year. Despite a convincing victory for the Conservatives in the election, seen as a boost to the housing market, Countryside has remained coy regarding any planned flotation.